4 out of 5

Label: Warp

Produced by: J.P. Buckle

Ah yes, Rubber Johnny, the release we all swore was actually another Richard D. James pseudonym, aka the release I actually purchased because it was filed under Aphex Twin.  We chortled at the prophylactic inspired artist and song names; we nodded approvingly at the layers of icy synths atop soothing ambiance and snare rushes in its middle tracks.

Alas, pre-internet-singularity days, it took a while for some of us to confirm RJ ’twas not a James concoction but actually Jason Buckle, aka JP Buckle, to which we, eh, noded approvingly in retrospect regarding the playfully artful repetition and layering and the juvenile song names…

In either the RDJ or JPB configuration, this EP is a must own for IDM fans, but it’s actually those Aphex notes which keep it from perfection.  Opener DrumRolyPoly is the scene stealer, all jazzy slink over delightful pitter pat beats, coming and going at perfect intervals; closer Trouser Snake sneaks up on you, though: its downtempo dub surprisingly moving after you warm to its relative quiet in comparison to the other tracks.  The middle two cuts – Dickie’s Magick Poppers and Pocket Drums – are still excellent electronica, expertly layered stutter beats with discordant noises and slowly presenting blankets of chill / dub, but in each case, the first two thirds or so of the tracks feel like cut and paste Aphex; like choosing recognizable elements and rearranging them into a new song.  When I thought this was James, I could smile at the ‘gotcha’ nature of it, not so uncommon in some of his other work.  As it’s Buckle, it takes on a potentially more experimental vibe – seeing if he can morph one style to another, imperceptibly, which he does, but the overall effect is still less engaging than the first and last track.

Jamrolypoly is required listening for Warp / Rephlex fans, though you probably already own it, and have your own snicker-worthy memory of the artist’s mistaken identity.